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5 Signs You Need Your Water Tested

No one wants to drink water that tastes bad or is stinky. The drinking water can lead to multiple health issues if it’s not clean or pure as it should be. Taking care of your loved ones also includes ensuring that the water that comes to your home is clean.

Water quality testing might not be at the top of most homeowners’ minds, but it should be. There is a possibility that your water contains contaminants that can impact your health, affect your plumbing, and even reduce your home’s value. The truth is that knowing when to test water quality can make a significant difference.

Here we discuss five telltale signs that you need to have your water tested. It is time we learn about them and not ignore them at any cost.

Bad Taste or Odor

When your water smells like metals, chlorine, dirt, or even rotten eggs, you must check it. Keep in mind the following pointers:

The smell of sulfur could mean the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, caused by bacterial activity.
A metallic taste may indicate higher iron, copper, or manganese levels.
Excessive chlorine in your water indicates that your water source is over-treated or that you are receiving leftover disinfectants from the municipal system.

Sometimes, these odors are harmless, but they’re also one of the earliest reasons to test the water, especially if the taste is off or unpleasant.

You Use Well Water

If you have a private well, regular water testing isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

Wells are not governed like the city water. This implies that drinking water is totally in your hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), well water should be regularly tested at least once a year to check for germs, nitrates, and other potentially harmful contaminants.

Usual well-related issues are:

Pollution by local agricultural activities (such as fertilizers or pesticides).
Heavy concentration of metals from the surrounding soil and rock.
Bacteria from old or faulty well casing.

When it has been quite a while since your last test, or you cannot recall ever taking a water test, that is a sign in itself.

Older Plumbing

Houses built before 1986, and particularly old houses, can still have lead plumbing (either in the form of lead pipes or soldered with lead). Lead in water is harmful, particularly to children.

Even minimal levels of lead are dangerous to health. The EPA’s maximum contaminant level for lead is zero. That is how serious it is.

If your plumbing is dated or you’ve recently had construction work done, it’s a good time for water testing. Construction can loosen lead debris, and it could enter your water pipes.

Family Members are Falling Sick

Do you have a household where stomach problems cannot be explained, or family members have skin complaints? Or are they generally always tired? Your water can also be the source of these problems.

Certain types of contaminants, such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), may lead to sickness among children, older adults, or individuals with already weakened immune systems.

The prevalence of waterborne illnesses is more common than you think. Statistics show that more than 7 million Americans suffer annually from waterborne diseases. When people are not feeling well with your tap water, it’s time to take action.

Water testing can provide a clear answer and give you peace of mind.

You have had Flooding or Nearby Construction Activity

Have you experienced local floods recently? Or some road work, drilling, or large-scale construction activity is going on nearby. Such activities destroy underground water sources.

An example is floods, which can introduce sewage, chemicals, or bacteria into groundwater and wells. Although your tap water may appear to be clean, this does not necessarily mean it is free from contaminants.

If your neighborhood has undergone significant environmental changes, it’s one of those times when water testing becomes a non-negotiable necessity.

Further Water Testing Times

Even if none of the five signs above apply, here are a few general reasons to test the water:

You are a seller or a buyer of a home.
You are pregnant or have a newborn baby.
A fall in water pressure or a color change is evident.
You have had a new water filtration or softening system.

What Does Water Testing Check For

A simple water analysis can detect:

Living things such as bacteria (E. coli)
Lead and heavy metals.
pH levels.
Hardness.
Chlorine fluoride.
Nitrite and nitrates.
VOCs and other pesticides.

Professional testing will provide you with the details of test results and recommend corrective measures.

The Importance of Water Testing

One of the most basic requirements that we often overlook is access to clean water. However, unless you properly test them, you may end up exposing yourself and your family to dangerous substances.

It is not just about health. Water quality can damage your appliances, reduce the lifespan of plumbing pipes, and negatively affect your home value.

Final Words

Understanding when to test water quality is vital, especially if you notice foul smells, use well water, or live in an older home. These are not minor nuisances. They are the red flags showing that something is not right.

Water testing isn’t just a chore; it’s an investment in your family’s health and the safety of your home. Often, it is the only way to detect problems before they become serious.

GreenWorks Inspections will assist you whether you are purchasing a home, have a house with a private well, or when you seek peace of mind.

We offer thorough, professional water testing that gives you accurate results and expert guidance. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Discover what’s in your water and what you can do about it.

Secure yourself, call GreenWorks Inspections today, and schedule your water testing.